On 21 April 2026, 9,000 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes were detected in a 20-foot inbound container at Pasir Panjang Scanning Station.

2.       The container was targeted for enhanced checks based on data analytics by Singapore Customs (“Customs”), as well as pre-arrival risk assessment conducted by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority’s (ICA) Integrated Targeting Centre (ITC) and Customs. Upon inspection of the container, ICA officers found duty-unpaid cigarettes concealed within the consignment, declared as “Smart LED Bulb”. Customs officers were immediately activated to conduct further checks, which uncovered a total of 9,000 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes. The duty-unpaid cigarettes were seized and the total duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) evaded amounted to about $1,168,675.

3.        Both ICA and Customs will continue to leverage technology and data analytics to strengthen our targeting and detection capabilities. ICA will also continue to work closely with the various agencies to safeguard Singapore’s borders against attempts to smuggle contraband and drugs, as well as the entry of undesirable persons.

4.        Customs remains committed to enforcing strict compliance with customs regulations and protecting revenue. Under the Customs Act and GST Act, buying, selling, conveying, delivering, storing, keeping, possession or dealing in duty-unpaid cigarettes are serious offences. Offenders can be fined up to 40 times the amount of duty and GST evaded and/or jailed for up to six years.

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY

SINGAPORE CUSTOMS

11 MAY 2026

Boxes of duty-unpaid cigarettes hidden among the consignment of LED bulbs

Boxes containing duty-unpaid cigarettes

9,000 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes uncovered from the container